Lexington County, S.C. – At a press conference on October 9, 2026, County Coroner Margaret Fisher reported that the death of Elena Katherine Moore, a 39‑year‑old fitness enthusiast, was classified as natural. The cause of death was complications from cardiac dysrhythmias with premature ventricular contractions, a condition that disrupts the heart’s rhythm.

Medical findings

The autopsy, performed at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston under forensic pathologist Dr. Ellen Riemer, confirmed the cardiac irregularities as the direct cause of death. The coroner’s office reviewed Moore’s extensive medical history, which included an irregular heartbeat identified during a school‑age physical exam, ongoing episodes of shortness of breath, palpitations, and reduced exercise tolerance. By June 2025, physicians had documented cardiac dysrhythmia, sinus tachycardia, and hypertension, prompting additional cardiac monitoring.

Potential complicating factors

Fisher noted several circumstances that may have worsened Moore’s underlying heart condition, including high ambient temperatures, possible dehydration, and an extended period without prescribed cardiac medication. Toxicology testing did not detect the medication, although medical records indicated it had been administered at least once during her psychiatric hospitalization. Ethanol was present in the toxicology results, but decomposition may have altered the measured concentration, preventing a precise determination of intoxication level.

The examination found no evidence of traumatic injury, broken bones, or sexual assault, and investigators found no indication that Moore was murdered.

Events leading up to the disappearance

According to Fisher, emergency responders first encountered Moore on June 5, 2026, after a 911 call reported her sitting outside a residence. Surveillance footage from that day showed her acting unusually during a food‑delivery encounter. She was found barefoot, with dirt on her clothing, complaining of chest pain and displaying altered mental status. She was taken to a local hospital, where physicians, in consultation with psychiatric and social‑work professionals, determined she was experiencing a significant psychiatric crisis and initiated an involuntary commitment.

Moore was transferred to an inpatient mental‑health facility, where records listed diagnoses of unspecified psychosis with paranoia and delusions, anxiety, attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder, mood disorder, alcohol‑use disorder, and cannabis‑use disorder. Despite ongoing psychiatric symptoms, the facility discharged her on June 11, 2026.

Discharge and subsequent movements

Moore’s husband, Brannon Slice, said the facility informed him of the discharge on June 11 and offered transportation. Slice was told the facility would arrange transport because a release time had not been set. Instead of returning home, Moore took a taxi to a CVS pharmacy at 5608 Sunset Boulevard in Lexington, a location where Fisher previously worked. The taxi driver entered the store after Moore failed to return to the vehicle.

Inside the store, Moore told a manager that the driver was following her and trying to hurt her. The manager called the Lexington Police Department, but Moore left on foot before officers arrived. She later obtained wine and water from the store after claiming she had forgotten her wallet.

Surveillance later captured Moore checking in at a Planet Fitness location at approximately 6:38 p.m. on June 11, followed by footage of her near a Publix parking lot and Old Cherokee Road. The final known video shows her crossing North Lake Drive toward Old Cherokee Road at 9:17 p.m. that evening, not far from where her body was later found.

Coroner’s concerns

While confirming the natural cause of death, Fisher emphasized that the circumstances surrounding Moore’s release remain troubling. When asked if she believed Moore had been discharged prematurely, Fisher answered, “In my opinion, yes.” She clarified that she does not know the facility’s discharge criteria and cannot state definitively whether continued hospitalization would have prevented the death.

Fisher’s office hopes the findings will prompt a review of involuntary‑commitment discharge protocols to ensure that individuals experiencing serious psychiatric crises receive appropriate care before being released.

Investigation timeline

Moore’s body was recovered on June 17, six days after her disappearance. The coroner’s investigation included forensic pathology, review of years‑old medical records, toxicology testing, and analysis of Moore’s final movements. The determination that she likely died on the evening of June 11 aligns with the last known surveillance footage.

The Lexington County Coroner’s Office will continue to monitor the case and work with mental‑health providers to address any systemic issues highlighted by this tragic incident.

Original reporting: FITSNews — read the source article.